‘Never, ever quits’: Cambodia’s heart and soul set for knee surgery

By Chris McAsey Cambodia didn’t take home any silverware from the AFL Asia Cup in December, but if there was a prize for ‘punching above your weight’ they would have a strong claim on the title. Finishing runner-up in both the men’s and women’s competitions was an outstanding result given Cambodia’s relatively small population. But […]

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Japan’s goal machine set to create havoc

By Chris McAsey Japan’s dynamic duo of small forwards – Rinto Kijima and Hiroki Mita – are men of few words. But they let action do the talking for them in scintillating performances at the recent AFL Asia Cup. The two forwards combined seamlessly in Japan’s attack with Rinto playing deep and almost unstoppable in […]

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Unity the key for footy in Hong Kong, China

By Chris McAsey Hong Kong, China went to the first AFL Asia Cup last December with high hopes for strong performances from its home grown talent, many of whom came through the local Auskick junior program. Ultimately, Hong Kong, China missed making the semi-final round on percentage, but they will take a lot of heart […]

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Family Thais: Mother-son captains lead the way for Thailand

By Chris McAsey One of the great traditions in AFL – and now AFLW – is for clubs to draft ‘Father-Sons’ and ‘Father-Daughters’. In the modern era of the National Draft, it’s a way for players and their families to maintain historical ties to a club. Current AFL players drafted as Father-Sons include Nick Daicos […]

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Cambodia’s Veasna Leak: tough as teak

By Chris McAsey Cambodian star midfielder Veasna Leak was one of the standout players at the AFL Asia Cup and a driving force behind his team’s surge to the Grand Final. Playing a multitude of roles across the tournament, Veasna’s connection with leading goal kicker Boree King delivered goals time after time when their team […]

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Sherrins in Saigon – Asia Cup 2024

By Rob Spurr Dyna Kuy is pacing the boundary line nervously in anticipation of the upcoming men’s final. It’s been another brutal morning of footy and his Cambodian Eagles have outlasted a classy Indonesian outfit under a baking Saigon sun to qualify for the big dance. As a sign of confidence, he flashes a smile […]

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All-Asia teams named as inaugural AFL Asia Cup comes to a close

By Chris McAsey All-Asia teams have been named as the inaugural AFL Asia Cup comes to a close in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After three days of fierce competition, Japan was crowned the men’s champion of Asia, while Thailand took the honours in the women’s competition. MVPs for the Grand Finals were Japan’s Kouki […]

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